The Ball State University baseball team got a complete game from its ace, Ben Snyder, and defeated Western Michigan University 6-2 in the opening game of the 2006 Mid-American Conference Tournament Wednesday.
Snyder gave up just two runs while striking out 10 batters, and he improved his record to 7-5. The No. 3 seed Cardinals (34-20) will take on No. 2 Central Michigan University, which knocked off No. 5 Miami University 8-2 Wednesday.
Coach Greg Beals said Snyder showed what he's made of on the mound Wednesday.
"Snyder's been solid all season, but today was probably his best performance," Beals said. "He showed the signs of a great competitor, and great competitors show up in big games."
Ball State once again waited until the late innings. Going into the seventh inning with the score tied 1-1, left fielder Chris Pestle put the Cardinals up for good with a solo home run.
Later in the inning, the Cardinals were able to move runners to second and third with two outs, when Mike Sullivan lined a ball right at Western Michigan pitcher Dan O'Brien. O'Brien knocked the ball down with his glove but overthrew to first base, scoring both runners and giving the Cardinals a 4-1 lead.
Ball State added two more in the eighth with an RBI double by Kyle Dygert and a double steal.
The Cards have now won 13 of their last 15 games, and in each game someone different stepped up to be the hero.
"I think every guy in our lineup has the capability to come up and deliver for us when we need it," junior outfielder Eric Earnhart said.
Snyder allowed just six hits in the game, including a solo home run to Western Michigan's Mark Abro, which tied the game at 1-1. The game wasn't tied for long, as the Pestle homer in the bottom of the inning took the lead right back.
The Cards got their first run in the third inning on an RBI single by Matt Singleton that scored Matt Gard from third base.
The Cards and Chippewas will play at 4 p.m.
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